Candidates starting to file for office; few contested

Candidates for Jennings County offices have begun filing, and have until noon Feb. 9 to submit their paperwork.

The period to begin filing started Jan. 10. Primary elections in Indiana for county, state and federal offices are May 8.

So far there are few contested primaries. Jeff Burton is challenging incumbent Matt Sporleder for the Republican nomination for county commissioner for District 3. On the state level, Charles Johnson is challenging incumbent Jim Lucas for the Republican nomination for House District 69, which represents part of Jennings County.

Also, about three times as many Republicans than Democrats have filed for office.

“That might be a little unusual but it is still early in the process. We will see where that goes,” said Jennings County election deputy Brenda King.

A list of candidates who have filed for election, as of Tuesday, for Jennings County offices:

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 67

Randy Frye (R)

STATE REPRESENTATIVE, District 69

Charles Johnson (R)

Jim Lucas (R)

Steve Schoettmer (D)

STATE SENATOR, District 43

Chip Perfect (R)

CIRCUIT COURT CLERK

Amy Gwin Thompson (R)

AUDITOR

Tessia Salsman (R)

RECORDER

Mary Dorsett Kilgore (R)

Sandra L. (Sandy) Vance (D)

ASSESSOR

Randy Shepherd (R)

COMMISSIONER, District 3

Matt Sporleder (R)

Jeff Burton (R)

COUNTY COUNCIL, District 1

Michael V. Gerth (R)

COUNTY COUNCIL, District 2

Mandy Creech (R)

COUNTY COUNCIL, District 3

Bob Ellis (R)

SHERIFF

William Kenny Freeman (R)

Gary M. Driver (D)

PROSECUTOR

Brian Belding (R)

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, Bigger Township

Joshua A. Yeager (R)

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, Campbell Township

Michael L. Murphy (R)

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, Marion Township

Robin Deputy (R)

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE, Spencer township

David K. Kopitzke (R)

Courtney Maschino (D)

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE — Vernon Township

Roger W. Taylor (R)

TOWNSHIP ADVISORY BOARD, Center Township

Connie Gayle Ochs (R)

David Eder (D)

Dan Fox (D)

TOWNSHIP ADVISORY BOARD, Vernon

Sue Collins (R)

Randal Rayburn (D)